David Villa is the latest legend of the beautiful game to announce his retirement, with the Spanish icon revealing he will call an end to his glorious career at the end of the season.
The 37-year-old, who currently plies his trade at Vissel Kobe, stated on his official Twitter account that he will bid farewell to football at the end of the current J-League season. The former Spain international wrote on Twitter:
"After 19 years as a professional, I have decided to retire from playing football at the end of this season.
After 19 years as a professional, I have decided to retire from playing football at the end of this season. Thank you to all the teams, coaches and teammates that have allowed me to enjoy this dreamed career. Thank you to my family, that has always been there to support me. pic.twitter.com/E82vb3tNwT
— David Villa (@Guaje7Villa) November 13, 2019
"Thank you to all the teams, coaches and team-mates that have allowed me to enjoy this dream career.
"Thank you to my family, that has always been there to support me through good and hard times. It is my objective to put the cherry on top by winning the Emperor's Cup with Vissel Kobe on January 1st.
"From then on, I will continue to enjoy football through all the projects that we're currently developing with DV7 group. Thank you for all the love."
Vissel Kobe are currently through to the Emperor's Cup semi-final, which they will play on December 21 with the hope of booking a ticket to the final on January 1st. Should Villa guide them to the trophy, it will be one more title in what has been a successful career.
The attacker, who is La Furia Roja's all-time leading goalscorer with 59 goals in 98 games, has lifted 14 major titles throughout his career. The most notable one is the 2010 FIFA World Cup, with Villa being their key man in the final third.
He rose to fame during his time with Valencia, netting 100 times for Los Che over a five-year spell. A move to Barcelona soon followed, where he won two Liga and Copa del Rey titles, and a Champions League medal back in 2011.
He'd eventually join Atletico Madrid, where he won another Spanish top-flight crown before enjoying spells in the MLS and the A-League.
So far, the 37-year-old has scored a whopping 421 goals in 814 appearances, averaging roughly a goal every other game. He is one of the most underrated strikers in recent years but is now getting the praise he deserves, with pundits, commentators, former team-mates, and fans joining together to pay tribute to the iconic Spaniard. Check out the best tweets below.
"Our Guaje is retiring. Thanks for all those good moments we spent together my friend! Wishing you all the best in your future! You're the man."
Nuestro "guaje" se retira. Gracias por todos esos buenos momentos que hemos pasado juntos amigo! Te deseo todo lo mejor para el futuro. Grande @Guaje7Villa pic.twitter.com/yiIjMb9n4E
— Iker Casillas (@IkerCasillas) November 13, 2019
He won the World Cup, EUROs, Champions League, La Liga, Copa del Rey, Supercopa de España and the FIFA Club World Cup.
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) November 13, 2019
He's also Spain's all-time top goalscorer.
Enjoy your retirement David Villa pic.twitter.com/7ET10X0oPo
19 years on, Villa retires. Spain's best ever striker. https://t.co/Dv3pTm9466
— Sid Lowe (@sidlowe) November 13, 2019
David Villa announces his retirement from football leaving us with the most amazing memories from his time at Valencia CF
— Valencia CF English (@valenciacf_en) November 13, 2019
Thank you @Guaje7Villa for your contribution to football, a historic pic.twitter.com/jYdep2Y24X
David Villa is one of the greatest strikers of all time - and Spain's absolute greatest. Upon retiring, he hopefully finally receives the credit he deserves. He has been constantly underrated and disgracefully overlooked throughout his entire career.
— David Cartlidge (@davidjaca) November 13, 2019
We may hang up our boots but these memories are forever.
— Sergio Ramos (@SergioRamos) November 13, 2019
19 years.
— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 13, 2019
814 games.
421 goals.
14 trophies.
World Cup winner David Villa has confirmed he will retire at the end of the J-League season next month pic.twitter.com/BgA9xrxOWK
David Villa has announced his plans to retire from football
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) November 13, 2019
Most memorable @Guaje7Villa goal?
@FCBarcelona #UCL pic.twitter.com/LYWpmNrvXf
@Guaje7Villa retires from football
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@UEFAEURO) November 13, 2019
He scored 59 goals in 98 Spain games #EURO2020 pic.twitter.com/0ER3liEBHi
L E G E N D
— LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) November 13, 2019
Congratulations on an incredible career, @Guaje7Villa! #LaLigaHistory pic.twitter.com/w2uLpcLYLa
David Villa has confirmed his plan to retire at the end of the year
— Goal (@goal) November 13, 2019
What a career pic.twitter.com/ZQUPTeD1oj
After 19 years in the game, David Villa will retire from football at the end of this season...
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) November 13, 2019
• 38 in 94 for Zaragoza
• 127 in 219 for Valencia
• 48 in 119 for Barcelona
• 15 in 47 for Atlético
• 59 in 98 for Spain
A true Spanish striking legend pic.twitter.com/GfDhYNQdvE
Xavi-Retired
— Kagiso (@kg_matshele) November 13, 2019
Iniesta-on the verge
Torres-retired
Xabi Alonso-retired
Villa-retired
Arbeloa-retired
Puyol-retired
Spain's 2010 dream team disappearing bit by bit https://t.co/qhYzHOb6Lk pic.twitter.com/FFUCviuUnW